Friday, May 7, 2021
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I met Mike in 1998 when I started working for the Forest Service part time at the Beaver Creek Ranger station. I was in my 60s and worked my way into a full time position which gave me more interaction with Mike. Long B4 I met Mike I had been a Deputy Sheriff in Idaho, he became a good friend and mentor for a old man trying to learn new things. I remember one night there was a call about livestock on Hwy 179 and he asked if I would like to help and naturally I said yes. Myself Mike another ranger went to the area to get livestock back inside a fenced area, it was dark and the cow was bent on staying free. Well after we chased that thing all over for more than a hour, our tongues were hanging out and I finally said Mike gimme your gun and I will shoot the thing, well that started us laughing so hard we had to sit down. When we managed to compose our selves we looked around and found that the cow went back behind the fence while we were laughing, Mike put his hand on my shoulder and with a solemn look and said quote you scared the poor thing. In 2003 I had to go into retirement because of a bad heart, Mike stood tall and was one of the finest man I have ever had the honor to work with and I will look forward to seeing him soon soon on the other. Respectfully Ranger Ric formally from the he Sedona Ranger District.
